[Dispatch=Lee Ah-jin Reporter] "I hope you remember me as a person."

Actress Han Chae-rin conducted her first interview in her second year as a debut actor. The atmosphere was distinctly fresh. She was even excited by the news building itself, raising her phone to take a photo for social media.

Throughout the interview, she wore an excited expression. She answered each question with an animated face and full enthusiasm. You could see the vibrant energy of a 25-year-old thrilled by a new experience.

That image overlapped with Kwon Hae-na (played by Han Chae-rin) in the drama 'Serial Killer Housewife.' In the show, Kwon Hae-na is a bright-eyed rookie reporter. Han Chae-rin brought the character to life with her natural bright energy, executing the enthusiastic role flawlessly.

Dispatch recently met with Han Chae-rin. We heard about her process in completing Kwon Hae-na, what inspired her to become an actress, and her goals.

◆ "I awakened bright energy"

Han Chae-rin had primarily played relatively calm and mature characters. In works like 'Riding Life,' 'Unknown Seoul,' and 'Siren,' she showcased figures such as a tutor and lawyer.

This time was different. She played Kwon Hae-na, a social affairs department rookie reporter in 'Serial Killer Housewife.' The character had a bubbly personality with passion that came first. She had to emit energy far higher than usual.

"When I went to the filming set, I started by preparing to raise my energy. I did jumping jacks and 100 squats. It was like awakening the adrenaline throughout my entire body."

She also set her internal character specifically. She didn't stop at just looking like a reporter. She imagined why Hae-na became a reporter. "I centered on a sincere commitment to social issues and the passion to learn one more thing," she explained.

She added detail to her appearance as well. "I thought that a reporter working in the field wouldn't have time to worry about her hair," she said, "and unlike the original work, I tied my hair back tightly. I completed a style that wouldn't be bothersome while working."

◆ The set is another classroom

She finished her preparations carefully, but couldn't escape the nervousness of standing before the camera. She was worried she might make a mistake. Fortunately, senior actor Jung Jun-won was by her side.

"It was hard for me to ask first to run lines, but senior Jung Jun-won approached me first. He kept asking if there was anything difficult. I always felt secure."

Working with other seniors was a continuous learning experience. Han Chae-rin said, "It was really impressive how they immersed themselves as soon as the camera rolled," and "Every time I worked with senior actors, I felt I was learning acting through my skin."

She was especially careful not to miss the director's feedback. "I tried to reflect what the director told me as quickly as possible. When I heard the compliment 'You did well as ordered,' I felt like I was flying," she recalled.

"On set, I keep my ears perked up to learn as much as possible. No matter what set I go to, the experience that accumulates becomes my asset. Every experience is something I'm grateful for and treasure—I don't want to miss any of it."

◆ "I move forward instead of despair"

For Han Chae-rin, the filming sets of now are inside a dream she has long desired. She vaguely dreamed of becoming an actress since childhood while watching films and dramas. Then in third year of middle school, after visiting an acting academy, she became certain.

She said, "At first, other friends felt uncomfortable with acting. But I fell into it quickly," and "That's when I thought, 'This is really what I want to do.'"

At the time, she couldn't immediately pursue acting due to her parents' opposition. Later, from third year of high school, she began preparing for the entrance exam in earnest. She said, "Once I started preparing for the exam, it feels like I never took a break from practice."

The opportunity to debut didn't come immediately. Even after joining her company, there were hardly any months without an audition as she steadily knocked on doors. As rejection after rejection accumulated, so did frustration. But she couldn't abandon a dream she'd held for so long.

"As disappointment repeated, I came to have the mindset not to cling to results alone. When going to auditions, I often think of leaving a good impression on the person seeing me today rather than passing. When I made up my mind that way, even when things didn't go as planned, I could move forward to the next thing."

◆ An actress who only improves

She learned not to waver from results, but her heart toward acting has never dulled. Rather, her resolve to learn more only grew stronger. This is why she continues training consistently, even at the expense of leisure and sleep.

"I still feel there are too many shortcomings. It seems this is the time to train in acting more diligently. I don't see friends much and only focus on work and practice, but I'm still happy. There's nothing happier than being busy as an actress."

There are many facets she wants to show in the future. She wants to challenge various genres—from historical dramas to coming-of-age stories to comedy. Above all, she hopes her acting reaches someone as a positive energy.

Han Chae-rin said, "While acting as Hae-na this time, I also gained a lot of bright energy," and "If there's someone who feels, 'I got bright energy thanks to that girl' after seeing the character I played, I think I'd be truly happy."

Her role model is Kim Hye-soo. She liked the senior before joining her agency and now they share the same company. Han Chae-rin said, "When the senior rented out a theater during 'Master of the World' and invited the company's junior staff, I wrote a handwritten letter directly. I really hope to meet her in a project someday."

Finally, she was asked about her goals as an actress.

"I want to work as an actress for a long time. I hope that in ten years, my initial heart, gratitude, and passion haven't cooled. I will become an actress who only improves!"

<Photo courtesy of HODOO&N ENTERTAINMENT>